Chula Vista councilman to deploy to Iraq

CHULA VISTA – Councilman John McCann, a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, has been ordered to Iraq for one year and will leave for duty next month.

McCann will serve with an Army unit as part of the Navy's efforts to help ground-based troops.

“This will be my first tour of duty in Iraq,” he said. “When they call you, you've got to go. I'm proud to serve my country.”

McCann said he discussed his seat with Chula Vista City Attorney Bart Miesfeld, and both agree an interim appointment would be appropriate.

Miesfeld has not returned several calls.

By law, his seat must be made available to him upon his return in one year. At that point, there will be about five months left on his term. After that, he will be termed out.

McCann, 41, was first elected to the council in 2002 and has been widely expected to announce his candidacy for mayor.

“We've been flattered by all the people who encouraged us to run for mayor,” McCann said. “We have no plans to run. My focus is going to be accomplishing my mission in Iraq, keeping those around me safe and making sure my family back home is taken care of.”

McCann is married and has four children ages 4 to 14.

Councilman Rudy Ramirez said a vacancy would hinder work the council is trying to accomplish. Tuesday's meeting is the last until July 14, at which point McCann will be gone.

“We need a full council,” he said. “There's a lot of work we have to do. I'm interested in knowing what the rules are and figuring out how we keep a full council working on some of the issues we have.”

Councilman Steve Castaneda said he supports McCann's duty.

“He's doing what he needs to do for his country, and I appreciate his willingness to serve,” Castaneda said.

McCann is not the first local public official to be called to active duty. In 2003, Chula Vista Port Commissioner William Hall, also in the Navy Reserve, was deployed for six months.

In his seven years on the council, McCann said he is most proud of having a hand in building more than 12 city parks; building Otay Ranch Town Center; completing the new state Route 125; being a key player in getting the university land agreement completed; and being able to bring forward the first master planned bayfront proposal.

“It's been a pleasure serving the citizens of Chula Vista,” McCann said. “I'm proud of my service and looking forward to doing my duty and getting back to the city.”